Inquest Says 24-Year-Old William Chapman Died of Multiple Traumatic Injuries After Tiger Attack
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 15
Inquest Says 24-Year-Old William Chapman Died of Multiple Traumatic Injuries After Tiger Attack
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 15
Summary
Doncaster Coroner's Court heard 24-year-old William Chapman died from “multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction” after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday.
Two fences separated Chapman from the pen, and coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes said the tiger's physical contact caused injuries that rapidly led to his death before paramedics arrived.
The inquest was told Chapman had schizophrenia, previous psychosis and was under adult mental health services; his family raised concerns about his contact with the NHS trust, which has opened an investigation.
18 March 2027 was set for the adjourned inquest as police witness statements, CCTV and any record of previous park visits are gathered; the park remains closed and Doncaster Council is running a health and safety probe.